Volume 1: Number 2
March 15, 2014

 

Mr. Shipwash reminded those in attendance that they played a key role in the judicial system by securing the release of pre-trial detainees and guaranteeing their appearance in court.  He praised commercial Bail Agents for working within a system that was well-established and had proven to be efficient.  He also reminded the Bail Agents that their success depended on their ability to get defendants to court on the appointed date and stressed the fact that their business required no funds from taxpayers.  Mr. Shipwash told the attendees that government-funded pre-trial release programs were inefficient and offered statistics to prove it.  Nationally, surety has a 96% appearance rate while pre-trial release programs have only a 65%-72% appearance rate.  According to Mr. Shipwash, pre-trial release programs are equivalent to someone who drives an automobile without auto insurance and never has to pay for any accidents or damages that might occur.  Lastly, Mr. Shipwash encouraged Bail Agents to remember that they were insurance agents and stressed the importance of having appropriate relationships with the clerks and judges with whom they had to interact.  Some of the ways that these relationships might be created and/or improved is having a more professional physical appearance when interacting with the court system, being thoroughly knowledgeable of what is expected in each court room in which the Bail Agent conducts her/his business, and being extemely accurate when submitting any paperwork to the court.

Mr. Matusik reviewed several "Safety Tips" for those who are involved in Bail Fugitive Recovery.

Research The Law: Most jurisdictions have strict laws regarding the apprehension of a defendant who has a "FTA".  Ignorance of these laws is no defense in court.  If you don't know the extent of your authority, you might cross the line and wind up in difficulty.

Know The Suspect: Bail Agents who pursue defendants who have failed to appear in court must always know who they are trying to apprehend.  This knowledge will help you to avoid unfortunate situations in which you approach the wrong individual.  It could also help you to avoid injury in a confrontational situation.

Work As A Team Member:  Working alone is not a wise thing to do.  Working in a "team" allows you to take the time needed to assess each situation for any safety concerns and helps to prevent violence by apprehending the defendant in a large group.

Involve Local Authorities: Bail agents are extraordinarily skilled and capable individuals, but there are some situations that require the assistance of the local authorities.  Don't be shy about asking for help when you find yourself in a situation that requres assistance.

Conduct Yourself Properly: Maintaining a professional approach at all times may help you to apprehend the defendant without having to become physical.  Asserting your authority by projecting a professional image is preferred to attempting to bully or intimidate the defendant.

Carry A Weapon: Carrying a weapon may be in your best interest when prusuing a potentially confrontational or violent defendant, as long as your are proficient with the weapon and know the laws regarding its use in your jurisdiction.  The last thing you want is to use excessive force when the situation does not require it.

Retail Bail Agents who have established a relationship with 1st Atlantic Surety were asked at the "Hot Topics" seminar to consider their businesses as a "practice" and not just a job.  Traditionally, the three professions thought to be "practices" were the ministry, the law, and medicine.  Like those who are involved in these three professions, Bail Agents are involved in their businesses on a full-time basis, have recognized entry-level and ongoing (CE) training programs, participate in both state and national professional organizations, subscribe to a published code of ethics, and must adhere to state licensing laws.  For these reasons, Bail Agents should consider themselves as "professionals" in every sense of the word and should conduct themselves accordingly.  The seminar moderator asked Bail Agents to speak out about the contributions their profession offered to the community and to promote the benefits of having a active commercial bail bonding industry in the Tar Heel State.

In addtion to this newsletter and the series of "Hot Topics" seminars, 1st Atlantic Surety Company will attempt to develop promotional vehicles designed to assist retail Bail Agents in improving relations with the judiciary and the general public.  If you have an interest in participating in these endeavors, please contact our corporate office or your 1st Atlantic Surety Company representatrive.

Editor: Dave Rock, Jr. - Senior Vice-President
drockjr@1statlanticsurety.com - Cell: 919-414-3445

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